~ HI THERE ~ THANKS FOR VISITING OUR SITE - BROWSE AROUND AND CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR UPDATES ~

Shadowlawn Miniature and Toy Schnauzersarelocated in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.

We are a very small hobby breeder and strive to breed for quality, not quantity, with emphasis on disposition and soundness as some of our breeding priorities. Our puppies are whelped and raised in our home as family pets. They are handled daily and will come to you socialized and healthy. All of our Schnauzers are AKC and or CKC registered and come with a pedigree. We produce most colors including parti and liver [chocolate]. Puppies have their dew claws removed and tails docked.

Ears are natural. Puppies leave us with age appropriate inoculations and worming. Puppies come with a one year health guarantee. We do not guarantee size; we can only give you an estimate based on their weight, parents and genetic background. Neither do we guarantee haircoat.

We only breed and raise the Miniature and Toy Schnauzer and are proud to be “owned” by the dog with the “human brain.” Most breeders consider Toy Schnauzers to be anything under 12" and under 12 pounds. Toy Schnauzers should be bred to meet the breed standard with the exception of size. (The Teacup Schnauzer is a smaller version of the Toy Schnauzer, being between 2 and 7 pounds) Shadowlawn only has and breeds the two sizes of Miniature Schnauzers (Miniature and Toy),while we cannot guarantee these sizes, we do strive to be as accurate as possible.

"Which makes the best family pet ... male or female?"

Many people believe that female dogs make better pets. Most calls for pet dogs have people wanting a "little girl." They believe that they are more docile and attentive and do not participate in fighting over dominance.

This is not entirely true!

In a pack, females usually determine the pecking order. Females are more independent, stubborn, and territorial than males.

Males are usually more affectionate, attentive and more demanding of attention. They are very attached to what they consider "their people." They also tend to be less moody. However, males can be more easily distracted during training because of their playful nature. He is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age.

Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as humping, or marking and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors will disappear. Some will never learn to lift their leg. Males neutered early (usually by 5 months of age) usually don't lift their leg to urinate. While the female will come to you for attention, when she's had enough, she will move away. Males are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. Females are usually less distracted during training. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with you, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. The female also has periods of being "in heat" unless she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a nightmare not just for the female, but you and every male dog in the neighborhood. Did we mention that the seasonal heats usually happen TWICE a year? If you are not breeding, it is best to have her spayed since during this time she can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she goes, unless you put a doggy britches on her. She will be particularly moody and emotional during this time. A walk outside during this period can become hazardous if male dogs are in the vicinity, as she will leave a 'scent' for wandering males to follow right to your yard, where they will hang out, and wait for days.

Veterinarians differ in their opinions of the benefits of early age spay/neuter, [8 to 16 weeks of age] so ask. In an informal conversation, one local veterinarian (who supports early age spay/neuter) went on to say that many of the problems they see could have been prevented if the animal had been altered before puberty. In females, spaying before first heat cycle virtually eliminates the risk of mammary cancer. Every heat cycle increases the risk, and half of mammary cancers are malignant in dogs. Unspayed females also risk developing pyometra, a type of uterine infection, and of course, may suffer complications from pregnancy. Animals that come in with fractures, gunshot wounds, prostate problems, and testicular cancer are almost invariably unneutered males.

It's tragic that so many of these animals die unnecessarily from problems that could be prevented by spaying or neutering. If you think you "can't afford" to get your pet fixed, think about the long-term medical costs. Financial help is available for spay/neuter surgery, so call your favorite veterinarian for more information.

Males generally cost 1/2 the price to have neutered as a female does to be spayed.

So, before you decide on that age old dilemma of male or female, there are many things to think about.

Thanks for taking the tme to visit our site. We hope you enjoy your visit and will return often.